We have our first Turf Talk of the season discussing the Week 0 games!

link below:

 

1. Centennial – Centennial needs to replace their starting QB, RB, and WR on offense and some great athletes on defense and it STILL doesn’t matter. The Logan era has been a dominant run at Centennial. Nationally ranked and loaded with new “toys” to play with such as highly recruited explosive wide receiver Tyjon Lyndsey and running back Miles Reed to name a few. The Huskies will play anyone and their schedule includes a showdown with All-Star school IMG. 

2. Redlands East Valley – Redlands East Valley did not win their league last season which was a shock. Longtime starter and QB Armando Herrera leads an offense that is ready to go and a defense lead by all world defensive end Jaelan Phillips.

3. Vista Murrieta – Coach Coley Candale has stepped down and the new Head Coach David Olson will all eyes on him. A longtime assistant to Candale, Olson should continue the Broncos winning ways. One thing Vista Murrieta does returning is the IE’s best defensive line, which looks like a D1 unit led by Anthony Mermea! The offense will have to discover themselves and find a leader with the transfer of senior All American offensive lineman Chuck Filiaga to Texas. 

4. Murrieta Valley – It’s official, the Nighthawks are GOOD! Super sophomore QB Hank Bachmeier is a football throwing machine and Marquis Spiker and Maurice Bell might be the IE’s best wide receiver tandem. Murrieta is more than ready to line up to line up against anyone.  On defense look out for sophomore safety Brock Berry to make a big impact on a solid defense. The only question is, can they beat Vista Murrieta. 

5. Upland – The “U” is having a youth movement led by sophomore by the smooth QB David Baldwin. Upland will be loaded with weapons with players like running back Kyle Jones and wide receiver Gary Theard. Coach Salter will also make sure to find a way to use talented Bishop Amat transfer Tyler Sweet, who should add depth to an already explosive offense.

6. Rancho Cucamonga – The newly coined “DBU” is holding true to form with what we believe is the best secondary top to bottom in the nation. Jaylon Redd, Thomas Graham, Tayari Venable, and Darren Hall are just a few of the BIG TIME names that lead their defense. Coach Biaz always has his teams ready, but replacing last season’s QB Angel Matute will be no small task, it may take a few weeks to get the offense rolling. 

7. Yucaipa – Head Coach Justin Price of Yucaipa promises to have the hardest hitting team in the IE this year and we believe him. The stage is set for a big run this year as star QB Nathan Martinez returns with the IE’s best center Paul Bakenhus leading the way. Yucaipa plays in one of the toughest leagues in the IE, the only questions will be keeping their guys healthy.

8. Rancho Verde – Coach Steinberg begins his 2nd season in Mustang country with dynamic QB EJ Stewart and talented WR Bryan Thompson leading the way. Rancho Verde always has “guys” so there will no shortage of talent to help this 2016 campaign.  

9. Citrus Hill – Coach Zomalt always has his team ready to go, consistency at its finest. The kicking game boasts Manny Berz, the IE’s best kicker.  

10. Heritage – Coach Broach is one of the best coaches in the IE. Heritage will need to reload and replace CIF champion QB Brett Virgil which will be no small task.

11. Norco – Coach Chastain has the tough job of replacing Victor Viramontes at QB, but he was so much more than that. Early indications are that talented 10th grader Nicholas Lasher will be the new QB. Look for shifty running back Travis Dye and athletic wide receiver/cornerback Michael Thomas to produce big time this season. Long snapper Kyle Gibbs is the best in the state.

12. Oak Hills – Head Coach Artie Allen is focused on continuing the tradition of great football at Oak Hills! Big time wide receiver Kevin Davis and elusive QB Brandon Porter should light up the score board this season!

13. Paloma Valley – Coach Bert Esposito says this may be his most talented team.. ever! QB Chance Nolan is a next level signal caller and will have help from speedy running back Corey Maddox and sure handed wide receiver Blake Moore on offense. Phillip Mills, a safety, is the teams best D1 prospect.

14. Colony – Head Coach Randal already has a CIF championship under his belt and is looking for another one. Rumor has it that Colony is stacked with young players who are talented. Upland transfer Nathan Tilford will be a beast at running back and should get plenty of chances to score. The Titans will have to get their new QB established early. Look out for Bahari Holloway to have a great season. 

15. Notre Dame –  Niles Harrell might be the most underrated QB in southern California, but that may change soon. The CIF champion Head Coach Derrick Johnson has leadership throughout this year’s team but none is bigger and stronger than All CIF star Dylan Petti. The Titans mean business… and are looking to go back to back.

16. Cajon – Sophomore phenom QB Jayden Daniels will be back this season better than ever. Head Coach Nick Rogers will have highly ranked George Hicks all over the place at cornerback and wide receiver. A name to watch is 6 foot 7 inch sophomore wide receiver Darren Jones, a pending Upland transfer who is game changer. 

17. Chino Hills – With Coach Betchel leaving right after winning the Baseline league, the question was who would replace him and how? With the hiring of Coach Chris Stevens as the new Head Coach Chino Hills will be in good hands. Coach Stevens has tons of experience as a head coach and has had success all along the way. Year one should be fun to watch in Chino Hills, star returners Russell Stripling and Grant Trueman will lead the way.

18. Summit – On paper Summit looks to be taking a step back with the loss of their starting QB Cade Sparks, star WR Damian Alloway, and a host of other talented players. Yet this is what Summit is known for, having “guys” or athletes. Coach Matheny will have alot of holes to fill but one place he will have no worries is running back. The nation’s top ball carrier Stephen Carr returns for his encore performance. If Carr can carry the load early, Summit should be fine come playoffs.

19. Chino – 2nd year Chino head Football Coach Jesse Ceniceros has given Chino Football new life. This year could be a return to glory for Chino with seniors Brandon Serrano, Adrian Alfaro, Willie Morris leading the way. The Cowboys are coming!

20. Claremont – Head Coach Coco Jarin is focused on building his program from the ground up by beating local teams. The Wolfpack have an early test versus Upland. Super linebacker Solo Tuliaupupu and running back Duy Tran Sampson are both old school players who can carry their sides of the ball. Claremont needs to decide their QB situation quickly.

Teams To Watch: Don Lugo, Pomona, Serrano, Corona, Redlands, Great Oak, 

 

Nathan Martinez, of Yucaipa High School, leads a talented 2017 class of dynamic players that await this 2016 football season to begin in the Inland Empire. Make sure you don’t miss Mr. Martinez as he is ready to deliver as one of the areas to players!

From the time Stephen Carr stepped on a football field he was running. At first as a little kid, he ran in all the wrong directions. As time went on he learned to run the correct directions and thrive. Eventually as a standout in Fontana youth league football, the other Stephen Carr took notice.

Stephen Carr Sr., the father of the nationally ranked Summit football star, was watching his 9 year old son son play football when other parents approached him. “They told me that my son Stephen was really good and that he could be special” says Stephen Carr Sr. Stephen Carr Jr., whom the family calls “Booda”, became a star playing for the Fontana Wolves, Grizzlies, Gators, and Bucks. “I have no idea where he got all of that ability from”, says Stephen’s mother Shonnda McCullough.

Everything was perfect in Stephen Carr Jr. ‘s life, but when he turned 12, the family learned that Stephen Carr Sr. would have to serve a 5 year prison term. “It was hard for me, but Stephen and his siblings brother Dakari and sister Shanelle were strong for me”, says Stephen’s mom. “We made it through that time just sticking together as a family and staying positive. Stephen’s grandmother, Jackie McCullough, was also a big help with us during that time.” says Shonnda.

Even with the harsh reality of life hitting Stephen at age 12, he continued to be the same respectful son at home. Where most young people become angry at losing their father Stephen did just the opposite through keeping a good relationship with his Dad. By the time Stephen began high school at Summit he was already a well known athlete and people expected big things from him. On the field Stephen did not dissapoint at Summit, instantly making an impact becoming a starter on Varsity as a 10th grader. During this time, Coach Darnell Pugh of Summit took Stephen under his wing, mentoring him and being someone Stephen could talk to. “We are so thankful for Coach Pugh being there for Stephen, it means alot to me , what he has done to help my son”, says Stephen’s Dad.

As Stephen’s 10th grade season came to a conclusion under Head Football Coach Nick Matheny, his incredible talent began to catch the eye of college coaches. Working with Armond Hawkins Sr. in his Ground Zero organization, Stephen grew as a player and was offered a full athletic scholarship to USC in the spring of his 10th grade year. “The first time I got a call at work that Stephen had received an offer of a full scholarship I broke down and cried”, says Shonnda. By the beginning of Stephen’s senior season offers began to come in from the best colleges in America, all wanting Stephen to play for them with his explosive running style and vision. With a deadly combination of size and speed, Stephen is a rarity.

With Stephen’s senior season approaching the stage is set and he is ready. Ready for his father, now home, to see him play in person as a high school athlete for the first time. Ready to show everyone that he is the #1 high school running back in the nation. Ready to lead his team this season back to the playoffs. Most importantly ready to help others and give back. “From his family, to his friends, to his teammates at Summit, and with Ground Zero Stephen just loves to help people”, says Shonnda. Through it all, Stephen has remained the same and not let his 5 star ranking or new fame change him. He simply just keeps working and keeps it rolling, the same way he always has cool and steady.

On July 1st IE Preps Magazine launched our new podcast! We wanted to give listeners a chance to call in and ask questions as well as listen to great conversation about IE sports topics, teams, and sometime just life. Look for our new podcast on Friday nights!

The link to our July 1st podcast featuring Coach Chris Fore is below, enjoy!

 IE Preps Magazine Podcast

     Chris Hawkins, a redshirt junior safety at USC, is making his own way. In a day in age when collegiate athletes have an image as selfish, wild, and immature Hawkins is anything but that. A Class of 2012 graduate of Rancho Cucamonga High School, Chris was a nationally ranked cornerback under Head Football Coach Nick Baiz. Chris along with high school teammate, Tahaan Goodman of UCLA, had his choice of schools to attend at the conclusion of their senior season.

    For Chris, growing up in the Inland Empire, making the decision to attend USC was a no brainer. Former USC legends like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart were heroes for kids growing up in Southern California, and Hawkins was no different. Starting out playing the offensive line in youth league football, it didn’t take Chris long to display his athleticism and IQ. Chris and his brother Armond Hawkins Jr. thrived in Inland Empire youth league football and under the guidance of their father, Armond Hawkins Sr., began to make a name for themselves. 

    Fast forward to Chris Hawkins freshman season at USC. With his brother playing at the University of Idaho, a feat in itself for two brothers to both play division one football, Chris had to make a name for himself with the Trojans. Younger than some high school seniors, Chris began college as a 17 year old freshman who was smaller and slower than other players on the team. What may have been too much to overcome for some players, was just a perfect challenge for Hawkins. Armond Hawkins Sr., early on taught his sons to be thinkers and hard workers. Chris relied on his father’s teachings to use his football IQ to make up the performance gap on the field. By the start of the 2015 season, a position switch to safety was all that Chris needed to show that he was ready. What took place was a breakout season for Chris, where is hard work in the gym, football IQ, and leadership all came to maturity. 

    Entering his junior season, Chris is in full command on the field and in the classroom. Hawkins is the leader and elder statesmen of the USC defense and is also a USC graduate. In May of 2016, Chris earned his bachelors degree in Public Policy. A feat that speaks to Chris’ drive and discipline to be a positive example. His education is not over, Chris plans to earn his masters degree from USC by the time his football career is over at USC. In the Inland Empire, Chris along with current and former USC Trojans such as Vianne Talamaivao and Su’a Cravens give hope to high school athletes that they can make it too. Chris also gives back with his time, mentoring aspiring college athletes in the Ground Zero organization that his father created to help high school athletes get to college.

     With two full seasons of eligibility left, the future looks bright for Chris Hawkins as a professional athlete and as a professional. Hawkins loves the diverse group of students that he has met in college and feels that it has helped him become a better person and global thinker. Son, brother, student, athlete, teammate, and you now can add the title graduate to that of the talented and wise Chris Hawkins.       

 

     When you hear of the city San Bernardino what are your thoughts? For many it is the tragic shooting attack that took place in December of 2015, poverty, or just crime. Yet for people who live in San Bernardino who know the city’s rich history, the public perception can be hard to overcome. Jayden Daniels, sophomore quarterback at Cajon High School is what the city of San Bernardino is really about… Promise. 

   Daniels burst on the high school football season last year as a freshman when the Cajon starting quarterback was injured. Head football Coach Nick Rogers wasted no time putting the talented and poised 9th grader in the starting line up. Before Jayden could play, he had to get special waiver to play varsity football as a 9th grader. Once he was cleared, he set the scoreboard on fire. What might seem like a script from a sports movie, was the unveiling of a rare talent that is just getting started. 

   Jayden Daniel’s promise starts and begins with his parents. His Father and mother are both proud Cajon graduates, where his Dad played football and his mother was a cheerleader. His mother has always required that he give 110% in whatever he does and to never quit once he commits to an endeavor.  From soccer, basketball, and even track Jayden has excelled in sports and the classroom with the same approach of humility and hard work. It has been this mindset that allowed Jayden to step in as a 9th grade quarterback to lead Cajon to a league title last year beating league powerhouse and state football power Redlands East Valley. In a season that was nothing short of amazing Daniels proved that he was not hype but skilled as a true 14 year old freshman. The stats were nothing short of scary, throwing for over 2,600 yards and 35 touchdowns in his debut in high school football. As a smooth and smart quarterback for Cajon, Jayden makes it clear that his ultimate goal is to receive a full scholarship to a Pac 12 school as an athlete. 

   As college recruiters begin to circle the wagons on Jayden this season, he looks forward to lead his team and school forward. While Cajon High has over the years had lots of amazing athletes and even won a title in girls basketball, the football program has needed their moment. In a day in age where the best football programs have near college level facilities, Cajon’s football program has not been able to keep up. Which is critical because often parents choose whether or not they will send their son or daughter who plays sports to a specific high school based on factors like winning and sports facilities. Jayden hopes that as Cajon football wins more games that the spotlight on his school and city will ultimately change the lens through which people look at San Bernardino and Cajon. 

  Jayden Daniels is San Bernardino, full of promise and ready to grow. Don’t let the age or slight frame of Jayden Daniels fool you. He is strong enough and ready to carry his school and his city into a new day of promise.

If you are an IE high school football player who is in the Class of 2017 or 2018, make sure you come to this event!

Who will have an opportunity to be in an IE Preps Magazine issue, get great shots taken of you, and much more!

Don’t miss out! Saturday July 23rd. Parents must register via no later than July 3rd. The Basic Registration fee is $60.

 

REGISTER HERE

 

Willie Morris of Chino High School is ready this season! Ready to work hard and ready to prove he is the best cornerback in the IE this season. Lofty goals for some people, but Willie is no stranger to the limelight. This prototype cornerback has the size, speed, and confidence to make his goal a reality in his senior year. Willie was already a known name at Chino High soon as he began playing because of his older brother’s exploits in football at Chino a few years prior. Morris has plans to build on his junior season’s success by winning it all under 2nd year head Coach Cisneros.

It is said that if you don’t look good, you won’t play good. With that being said Willie Morris makes sure he is always looking good and playing his best ball. There is a winner’s attitude that good football players must have and Willie feels his team has that winner’s mindset in abundance. As the season approaches with expectations running sky-high, all eyes will be on Chino football and the dynamic cornerback and return man Willie Morris. His GAME is OFFICIAL.

The  1st ever IE Preps Magazine Coach’s Media Day was a huge success! Held on Saturday June 4th, 2016, the event was attended by nearly 30 area coaches and their respective team captains. There were also a bevy of players that attended the media day on their own as invites to the event. Inland Empire players who have received national attention such as Stephen Carr of Summit High, Jaelan Phillips of Redlands East Valley High, and Kyle Gibbs of Norco High were in attendance. The day also featured interviews and photoshoots with the I.E.’s best high school cheer programs with Great Oak, Centennial, Norco, and Oak Hills Cheer teams.

The coaches in attendance got a chance to sit through an engaging Q & A session about their upcoming season, players, and thoughts on hot topics related to high school football. All teams present also participated in a fun photoshoot and video session. Media from this event will be aired throughout the summer going into the season. IE Preps Magazine also used the event to prepare for their big Pre-Season High School football issue that comes out in July.

What was a first of its kind in the Inland Empire has set the tone for what will undoubtably be a bigger and better event next year in 2017. Special thanks to all of the coaches, players, parents, and IE Sports Net for making time to come out to this event.

“No Recess”

J.R. Rucker